Many hidden benefits of algae have been emerging in the recent years- to produce oxygen, purify wastewater, provide light, source of biofuel and most recently, making flexible foam. bioplastics firm Algix and clean tech company Effekt have worked to create this incredible transformation, from algae to soft, pliable foam.

Algal blooms in excess are a menace as they float over the surface of the water bodies and consume the oxygen before it dissolves in the water. Thus, they starve the aquatic beings and continue to spread widely, giving the water the infamous dense green cover cover on top. The collection of this ill-placed algae could actually help the environment.

The harvested algae is drained and dried before being turned into pellets and polymerised with other substances, to give the finished product. The yoga mats, sporting goods and toys made from this foam could contain 15-60% of algae as their constituent, depending upon the composition.

The Bloom Foam seems no different than the traditional petroleum-derived foam. Its sale should begin early next year in US and Asia.

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Author:Technology Blog